18 Weeks

The WIN for KC triathlon is 18 weeks from yesterday. When that hit me last night I knew it was really, really time to get serious about my training. There is no more time to make excuses and still do my best in this race.

Sure, I could train like I did last year and get by with less training, but I want to be strong and confident in every leg of the race this time around. I want to swim the 500 yards without stopping or having to do the side stroke; I want to have an even, predictable pace on the bike and not be afraid the entire time that I am going to fall off or blow a tire and not know how to change it; and I want to actually run the 5K.

Having a strong race is the target I have to keep my eyes on. I'm such a determined person that if I had to do a triathlon tomorrow I believe I could finish it, but I don't want to just finish this year. I want to finish STRONG.

Strength Training

I've known for a long time that I need to add strength training to my workout program. My actual triathlon training log doesn't build in time for strength training, but I know a stronger athlete makes for a better performing athlete and also helps prevent injury. So, I've been thinking that a few days a week I will need to do two-a-days with strength training in the morning and tri training in the evening.

Today is cold and snowy. I really don't feel like leaving the house and heading to the gym - and it is definitely too cold to run outside (with my current lack of adapting to the cold this year). So, I used the app "7 Minutes Every Day" to do a total body workout - albeit it brief. However, my muscles - especially in my arms - are starting from pretty close to zero. So, I think this is a good way to get started.

It will be fun to see where I am at in 30 days.

Getting Started

This morning, I walked the Liberty Hospital 5K with hubby Steve and our friend Bob Dusin. Steve and I are out of shape and Bob has an injured knee, so we just walked the course. Our time was around 54 minutes - about a 17:55 minute mile. Slow, but we got some exercise in and really enjoyed the conversation.

Because of my laziness and procrastination I have set my sights on the 2017 WIN for KC triathlon and not one earlier in the season. I re-did my training plan and if I begin training on Monday I will be more than ready for this year's WIN - much more prepared than I was last year.

The thing I need to remember and remind myself of is how much better I feel and how much better I take care of myself when I work out. It's more than just the exercise. It's the attitude. I like feeling like an athlete. I WANT to be an athlete - not just be one for a few months out of every year, but one every day of my life.

Here's to a good day, today - and here's to a lifetime of good days ahead.